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40x40

Kristin (149 KP) rated Alice of the Rocks in Books

Dec 7, 2018  
AO
Alice of the Rocks
E. Graziani | 2014
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Elisa is a scullery maid in the castle’s kitchen in Florence, Italy, 1512. She is forbidden to speak to any of the nobles, and she must keep her face hidden and eyes downcast for fear of drawing attention to herself. But one evening, her path crosses with Count Claudio Moro who protects her from the roaming hands of another nobleman. It is highly improper for the two to converse, let alone have a relationship, but there is just something about Elisa which sticks in Claudio’s mind, and he must continue seeing her, even at a detriment to his own status.

Alice was orphaned as an infant at a convent in Italy in 2012, but she was adopted by the most wonderful couple. Now it is 2029, she is seventeen years old, and she and her parents are going on a family trip to her country of birth to visit family and see the sights. However, one of those sights for Alice comes by way of a strikingly-handsome young man who works at a villa where the family is staying. There is an instant attraction between the two, and it’s almost as if they have met one another before. Could this be just a simple summer fling, or is there more? And why is Alice suddenly having strange dreams and feelings of déjà vu?

This is a truly wonderful story told with love and care in every chapter. The characters pull you in from the very beginning, and it’s as if they are actually there with you, guiding you through each point in their lives. The transitions between time periods are flawless and unimposing, and the story flows in such a way that it’s almost like a movie. I could clearly see the entire novel playing in my head, making it very entertaining and fully engrossing, and the scenery of Italy is described so beautifully it sets a wonderful backdrop. I didn’t want to put it down, and I will admit running the gambit of emotions, from anger and sadness to joy and wonder.

If you fancy intrigue, romance, and a love which traverses both social and timely boundaries, I highly recommend this as your next read.
  
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Jamie (57 KP) rated The School of Essential Ingredients in Books

Nov 28, 2018  
TS
The School of Essential Ingredients
Erica Bauermeister | 2009
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
There were many things that attracted me to this novel by Bauermeister, first she’s from the Pacific-Northwest which is where I live. She lives in Seattle I live in Vancouver. The second, cooking, food, learning to cook, all things that I am fascinated with and want to explore more with includes me actually getting into my kitchen and cooking. Not only that, she appreciates the smells, textures, emotions, and all the ingredients that make up a recipe, not only for eating, but for your own life.
I identified with all of the characters, Tom, Chloe, Clair, Lillian, Antonia, Carl, Helen, and Ian. Lillian’s the teacher and the rest students. So worth reading, I devoured each page like a fine pasta dish from Italy. I recommend it.